By HOLLY GASKILL
Weigand Construction project manager Dylan Markley reported that all projects for Norwell Community Schools are moving ahead without issues.
Markley told the district board Tuesday that substantial progress has been made on the middle school project, and demolition of the previous building will begin in mid-June. Meanwhile, the baseball team has been able to use their new building, but Markley said some finishing items are needed for that building and the new football building.
They’ve also made headway on the Ossian Elementary School renovation, with Markley crediting the teachers’ flexibility toward the ongoing work. Construction will be completed before the upcoming school year.
“The bones are going to look the same, but it’s going to be quite a bit different,” remarked Superintendent Mike Springer.
The board also recognized the seven students who completed their certified nursing assistant certification in the high school’s first year of offering the program. Several students spoke about the class and their thankfulness to have an early footing in the nursing profession and early job experience.
Following the conversation, Springer told the board he hoped to soon present a new module program through Area 18 CTE to expose students to possible career pathways earlier in their education.
The board later approved new navy and gold signage for the middle school and heard plans to adjust the driver traffic flow through the high school. The preschool curriculum was also approved, and the board learned the preschools should qualify as an On My Way Pre-K by the fall. This state designation allows the school to receive preschool vouchers and funding.
Also during the meeting, the board:
• Declared Norwell Middle School timpani drums, teacher desks, student desks and lockers as “no value” items for the district.
• Recognized resignations from LES treasurer Crystal Payton, OES special education assistant Amanda Parkhill, OES teaching assistant Addison Berich, and Ashley Daub and Kim Sandstrom in food service.
• Approved employment recommendations for James LaRowe as NHS varsity wrestling coach, Mallory Falls as LES Bobcat Care assistant, Shelby Schaufelberger as NHS teaching assistant, Cherie Harris as LES Title 1 teaching assistant beginning next school year and Elle Misch as NMS volunteer girls’ volleyball coach.
• Accepted donations of $5,000 from the Dr. Harry Brickley Farm Foundation for FFA scholarships, $700 from Park Community Church for lunches, $500 from the Wells County Foundation from the Norwell Community School Fund for a Kings Island trip and Nursing TV, $300 gift card from Psi Iota Xi for NMS art, and $300 from Psi Iota Xi for LES art room supplies.
• Approved a field trip request from NHS Cheer to stay at Great Wolf Lodge in Mason, Ohio, from July 8-11.
holly@news-banner.com
